Diamondbacks SS Nick Ahmed drawing interest on trade market
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Robbie Ray says he’s ready for start of season | 1:23
Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray gave up two runs in five innings, walking one and striking out six, vs. the Royals on Tuesday. (Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke on his start vs. Netherlands | 2:19
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke gave up one run in five innings against the Netherlands on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller strikes out 8 vs. Mariners | 1:51
Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller struck out eight in 3 1/3 innings vs. the Mariners but wasn’t efficient with his pitches.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Robbie Ray on spring start vs. Brewers | 1:49
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray gave up two earned runs — both on a first-inning homer — in four innings against the Brewers on Thursday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke comments on his throwing session | 0:35
Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke comments on his side session to minor leaguers at Salt River Fields on Mar. 13, 2017. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks’ Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. White Sox | 1:10
Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin gave up three runs in 3 1/3 innings against the White Sox but came away sounding upbeat. Video: Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker after latest dominant start for D-Backs | 1:41
Right-hander Taijuan Walker struck out eight in four scoreless innings for the Diamondbacks on Friday vs. the Brewers.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke on his diminished velocity in start vs. Mexico | 1:25
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke’s fastball was in the upper-80s on Wednesday at Salt River Fields.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller discusses latest start | 1:10
Diamondbacks starter Shelby Miller lasted 2 2/3 innings against the A’s, giving up six runs, on Tuesday. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Taijuan Walker on his latest strong outing | 1:08
Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker gave up just one hit in three scoreless innings against the White Sox on Sunday, Mar. 5, 2017. (Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs lefty Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. Padres | 1:14
Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin, who is vying for a spot in the rotation, gave up two runs in three innings against the Padres on Saturday in Peoria.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller on his outing vs. Cubs | 1:05
Diamondbacks right-handed Shelby Miller talks about his impressive outing vs. the Cubs. Miller struck out six in three innings.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBArchie Bradley on strong outing vs. Padres | 1:09
Diamondbacks right-hander Archie Bradley tossed three scoreless innings in his second start of spring training.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBRobbie Ray on his spring training debut | 1:15
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray was upbeat despite walking three in 1 1/3 innings on Wednesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBSpring training story lines to watch | 1:46
USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale breaks down the story lines to follow as spring training heats up. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker throws two innings in spring debut | 1:26
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker talks about his outing on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBSome things about Spring Training season just haven’t changed… | 0:00
Here are some longtime favorites about America’s favorite pastime. Aimee Plante/azcentral
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMLB changing intentional walks for 2017 | 0:46
The MLB is changing up the intentional walk in an effort to improve the pace of play. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJust the FAQs: Brewers at bullpen | 1:05
The Brewers by position: Bullpen Enrique Rodriguez
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBProjecting the 2017 MLB season | 1:34
USA TODAY Sports has released its projected win totals for the 2017 MLB season. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMLB’s 100 Names to Know for 2017 | 1:17
USA TODAY Sports released its annual list of players to watch for in the upcoming season. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMLB commissioner Rob Manfred on rule changes, MLBPA cooperation | 3:01
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred spoke about his frustration with the MLBPA, which he said rebuffed the league’s efforts to make any of a number of rules changes at Tuesday’s Cactus League Media Day at the Biltmore. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks’ Ken Kendrick discusses team’s lawsuit | 1:44
The Diamondbacks’ Ken Kendrick discusses the team’s lawsuit with the Maricopa County Stadium District over over Chase Field maintenance costs at spring-training camp on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs manager Torey Lovullo on Goldschmidt, team’s core | 1:02
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and his new team’s foundation at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBBehind the scenes at Diamondbacks Photo Day | 1:36
The Diamondbacks had their photos taken on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at Salt River Fields.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCubs’ Joe Maddon on why it’s difficult to repeat | 1:28
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how difficult it is to win back-to-back championships in the MLB on Tuesday at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCubs’ Joe Maddon on this season’s preparation | 1:14
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how to prepare for this season in regards to overworking and injuries after last season’s championship run at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBA look at Diamondbacks Fan Fest 2017 | 1:21
The Arizona Diamondbacks hosted fans to celebrate the start of spring training and the 2017 season at D-Backs Fan Fest at Salt River Fields on Monday. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCloser Fernando Rodney throws bullpen session | 0:31
Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney tosses a bullpen session at Salt River Fields.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBBaseball stadiums on the way out or in danger of extinction | 1:06
There are several MLB teams looking for new stadiums, while at least two are happy with their old-school dwellings. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker throws bullpen session at Salt River Fields | 0:37
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker throws his first official bullpen session of spring training at Salt River Fields on Tuesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller throws bullpen session at Salt River Fields | 0:37
Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller tosses his first bullpen of the spring at Salt River Fields on Tuesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs bench coach Ron Gardenhire diagnosed with prostate cancer | 1:21
Ron Gardenhire, Arizona Diamondbacks bench coach, annouced on Tuesday that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the team’s spring training complex at Salt River Fields. Manager Torey Lovullo also spoke. Video: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs manager Lovullo on getting started, Shelby Miller | 1:36
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on what he sees in his team and pitcher Shelby Miller heading into the first days of spring training at Salt River Fields. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley talks about his beard | 0:46
D-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley, sporting facial hair that he has not shaved since October 31st, reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs skipper Torey Lovullo press conference | 1:29
D-Backs skipper Torey Lovullo press conference at spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs pitcher Patrick Corbin reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale | 0:42
D-Backs pitcher Patrick Corbin reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks’ pitcher Archie Bradley: “New year. New team. New everything. We’re excited.” | 0:49
Diamondbacks right-hander Archie Bradley talks about the excitement of getting spring training started, saying “I couldn’t sleep last night.” Video: Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs near crossroads with Goldschmidt | 0:57
The Diamondbacks have faced tough seasons and payroll limitations, and it might cost them a beloved franchise player. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBThe best MLB lineup realistic money can buy | 0:56
Proliferation of young talent in the game provides an abundance of inexpensive options to stock a roster. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMontini: Diamondbacks’ lawsuit is one big error | 1:19
Are the Arizona Diamondbacks right to sue Maricopa County over Chase Field? Columnist E.J. Montini says no.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCubs, coffee and cars: How things have changed since the North Siders last won the World Series | 1:07
With the longest championship drought in American professional sports, the Cubs have seen a lot change since they last won the World Series, in 1908. Time_Sports
D-Backs’ Robbie Ray says he’s ready for start of season
Zack Greinke on his start vs. Netherlands
Shelby Miller strikes out 8 vs. Mariners
D-Backs’ Robbie Ray on spring start vs. Brewers
Zack Greinke comments on his throwing session
Diamondbacks’ Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. White Sox
Taijuan Walker after latest dominant start for D-Backs
Zack Greinke on his diminished velocity in start vs. Mexico
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D-Backs lefty Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. Padres
Shelby Miller on his outing vs. Cubs
Archie Bradley on strong outing vs. Padres
Robbie Ray on his spring training debut
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Taijuan Walker throws two innings in spring debut
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Projecting the 2017 MLB season
MLB’s 100 Names to Know for 2017
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on rule changes, MLBPA cooperation
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D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo on Goldschmidt, team’s core
Behind the scenes at Diamondbacks Photo Day
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Taijuan Walker throws bullpen session at Salt River Fields
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D-Backs bench coach Ron Gardenhire diagnosed with prostate cancer
D-Backs manager Lovullo on getting started, Shelby Miller
D-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley talks about his beard
D-Backs skipper Torey Lovullo press conference
D-Backs pitcher Patrick Corbin reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale
Diamondbacks’ pitcher Archie Bradley: “New year. New team. New everything. We’re excited.”
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The best MLB lineup realistic money can buy
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Nick Ahmed’s potential availability via trade has sparked interest from at least a handful of teams, with the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees all believed to have varying degrees of interest in the Diamondbacks shortstop.
The Diamondbacks have depth at shortstop, with Chris Owings, Ketel Marte and prospect Ildemaro Vargas all options, and Owings has had a red-hot spring, hitting .395 with two homers to give him an apparent leg up on the starting job.
The Padres could use help at the position, and they have a manager in Andy Green who is known to be a fan of Ahmed’s. Green was Ahmed’s manager at Double-A and was the Diamondbacks’ third base coach in 2015. The Padres had a heavy scouting presence at Tuesday’s Diamondbacks game, in which Ahmed started at short.
The Rays lack a plus defender at the position on their major league roster, and starter Matt Duffy is expected to open the season on the disabled list. The Yankees have Didi Gregorius, but he’s expected to miss six weeks with a shoulder injury.
Scouts have been curious about the state of Ahmed’s hip, on which he had major surgery last year.
Sources say the Diamondbacks are also listening to offers on reliever Enrique Burgos, who was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday.
Burgos, 26, has a big arm, with a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, but has not been able to translate that into consistent results at the big league level. In parts of two seasons, he has logged a 5.27 ERA in 68 1/3 innings with a lot of strikeouts (82) but too many walks (38).
It’s unclear what the Diamondbacks are seeking in return, but the club likely is looking to clear 40-man spots, given that several players on minor league deals are likely to make the Opening Day roster and will need to be added.
Outfielder Socrates Brito (finger) likely could be placed on the 60-day DL, which would free up a spot. But, as it stands, outfielder Gregor Blanco and reliever Tom Wilhelmsen appear to be in good position to win jobs – and several other relievers have thrown well enough to warrant consideration.
The Diamondbacks released former prospect Stryker Trahan last week, cutting ties with the former first-round pick five years after he was taken with the No. 26 overall pick.
After showing promise at the plate during his first two seasons as a pro, Trahan stalled out, hitting .203 in 1,093 at-bats in the lower minors the past three years.
“It was really difficult to release him,” Diamondbacks farm director Mike Bell said. “I think sometimes it’s just time to move on. I think he did everything he could and we certainly did everything we could. It just didn’t work out.”
Trahan, who never advanced beyond High-A, began his career as a catcher, shifted to the outfield then eventually returned behind the plate.
Center fielder A.J. Pollock, who played in a camp game on Monday, had three at-bats in a minor league game Tuesday. He went hitless and wasn’t pleased with the quality of his at-bats, but he said his groin, which has help him out since March 12, felt good. He’s hoping to get back in a Cactus League game by the end of the week.
*With the major league club off on Wednesday, right-handers Shelby Miller and Archie Bradley will pitch in minor league games against the San Francisco Giants.
*Right-hander Evan Marshall was optioned to Triple-A Reno. He had been a candidate for a bullpen spot.
Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.